Plastic Pollution in Pacific Waters
More Environmental Pollution Pictures here. In 1980, a study conducted at the University of Fairbanks Alaska on seabirds and plastic determined that 25% of seabirds contained plastic fragments or pellets in their digestive tracts. The origin of the plastic most likely came from the ocean surface of the Pacific Ocean abundant with plastic pollution.
This plastic pollution problem has grown steadily over the years and is apparent in Alaska and Hawaii. Also, a large portion of the Pacific Ocean is now termed as a Plastic Vortex. Plastic back in 1980 was mostly made of polyethylene which primarily comes from plastic bags and plastic bottles. Plastic is discarded and littered everyday and is carried around the ocean via wind and ocean currents. If pictures speak any meaning to you, I hope the message is clear. Do your part and pick up a piece of litter if you see some. Also, a great way to help out is by participating in local stream and river cleanups in your area.
This message is also being made to say that seabirds are not the only species affected here. Numerous species are affected, and something needs to be done to clean up the plastic vortex.
At least 267 species, including whales, fish, turtles, seals, sea lions and seabirds have ingested or become entangled in the debris, which has collected in an area between Hawaii and the west coast of the US. The plastic vortex is literally the size of Texas. Greenpeace also states that about 80% of the plastic comes from land and the other 20% from ships at sea.
You can do your part by choosing to use reusable bags at the grocery store instead of opting for plastic bags or paper bags if plastic bags are already banned in your city. Amazon sells a pack of 6 reusable bags for around 10 bucks.
The sad truth is that unless something is done to clean up this mess, many more marine life species will continue to die or face unnecessary trauma. The human way of life has taken a toll on the earth. The carelessness that humans have lived by for thousands of years can no longer sustain on this planet without serious consequences. Thanks for your support on this issue.
Just living life in Portland, Oregon and enjoying every day that goes by. I love the environment, and I love community, and I love being able to share my experiences and perspective with the world.
